Hobbit 38km (approximately) Race Report The weekend started with a 12 hour drive to the hamlet of Hogsback, (One almost tarred road). Based on previous knowledge of the region, I decided that I would use the Wittlesea-Fort Beaufort-Alice road and not the "backdoor" Cathcart-Hogsback road, largely because the cathcart road is often heavily rutted and occasionally washed out. I did not want to risk lengthening the trip or risking losing a sump on the car unnecessarily. (This was over cautious as the road was actually in driveable condition. Next time I will go to Cathcart and then decide on route based on local knowledge). THe tar road up to Hogsback was a bit stressful in the dark, as the feral cows like to stand on the warm road as it gets colder in the evenings. THere were at least three cow inspired road blocks on the way up. Accomodation organised by Mountain Runner (in conjunction with Arminel Hotel was amazing. It was very convenient to have sleeping quarters near the start/finish. Supper on Friday night was at the "Happy Hog". Although the food was acceptable, my stomach reacted badly and I lost the supper to the white telephone later that night. (Not a good sign). On Saturday we went off to the Park run on The Edge to loosen up for the big race. A number of Eastern Cape runners arrived with their Addo Trail Run gear on. (These guys are machines). Although we all "agreed" that we were "resting" for the big one the next day, the top times were all under 25 minutes for the 5kms, and next days pecking order was being established. Breckfast at The Edge was scones and coffee. The rest of the day was spent faerie hunting with the family. Supper at the Lighthouse was very good and it was agreed that this would be the place for the after run "party". Registration the next day was going well until the routine kit check. "no tape on the rain jacket seems, sir". "Merrel is selling proper rain jackets over there". So back up the hill to the room to get the cash and registration is confirmed. About 90 runners set off down the oad and into the forrest along the gravel road. First few kms ticked over effortlessly. Chattered to a old friend from the "Mount Aux Sources" run. Then off the road onto the single track and the the climbing starts. The Calf muscles start swelling and the feet go dead. 700m climb in 5km and the first check point. Hook in with a group of runners. All is going well until the front pacers suddenly spread out across the path. Oops, the leader has got us lost, and now his possie is trying to find the red markers. Eventually we spot on on top of the hill on the other side of the river. We had missed a river crossing. So it is now time for trekking on the most direct route to the marker. A wet river crossing and a steep climb get us back on route, but we lost about 10-15 minutes as a result. We continue to run the single track to check point two. Now the group has changed as I have fallen back to run with my old friend. We form a well knitted group pacing well (scouts pace) until the next feeding station at the waterfall. Now it is the climb to Hobsback ( 780m in 5 km) The climb is brutal. There is a "path" which is just markings over rocks. The group is reduced to two by the top. Here I leave my friend (She wanted to wait for her cousin ad running partner) and head down hill. The down hill, although harsh on the legs gives me new motivation and soon I am back to running strongly. I am quickly overtaking other runners and am clawing my way back into the to 20 position. A feeding station comes and goes, soon I am on gravel road and my road running training kicks in. Waterspout falls comes, and I pass a small group and head off onto the forest single track. Now I smell the finish and start pushing (This was the best part of the race). Next moment I am on gravel road, the 39 Step falls is to my right and I am across the finish just under 7 hours. (19th overall). Post race discussions agree that this is tougher than Rhodes and possibly Mount Aux Source.
